Rhodes International Airport, also known as Diagoras, located 14 kilometres southwest of Rhodes city near Paradeisi, serves as a bustling hub for over 5.5 million passengers annually. Handling flights to 84 destinations across 26 countries with airlines like Aegean, Ryanair, easyJet, and BA, this airport provides a practical experience for travellers exploring Rhodes’ historic sites or connecting to European cities like London and Berlin.
Accessing the airport is straightforward with multiple transport options. Public buses, operated by DES RODA and KTEL RODOU, run every 30 minutes to Rhodes city centre, taking 20–30 minutes for €2.50, with stops near the Old Town.
Taxis outside the arrivals hall cost €25 for a 20-minute ride, with drivers obligated to assist with luggage and issue invoices. Drivers can use the busy coastal road parallel to the airport, with short- and long-term parking across 1,200 spaces, bookable online for €5–€10 per day. Car rental agencies like Avis, Hertz, and Sixt are on-site for added convenience.
The airport’s two interconnected terminal buildings, spanning 60,000 square metres, are designed for efficiency despite ongoing renovations. The older terminal handles both arrivals and departures, while the newer one is dedicated to departures, with check-in and baggage drop on the ground floor and screening and gates on the first floor. With 46 check-in desks and 22 gates, navigation is aided by clear signage, but summer crowds can lead to overcrowding. Passengers should arrive two hours early for Schengen flights and three hours for non-Schengen ones to manage security and passport control queues, particularly in the non-Schengen area. Courtesy buses transport passengers to planes, as air bridges are absent.
Dining and retail options cater to travellers’ needs. Cafés and restaurants like Sunset Boulevard and Foodmarket serve Greek dishes such as souvlaki, alongside international fare, open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with some duty-free outlets operating 24/7. Duty-free shops stock local wines, ouzo, and souvenirs, though prices are high, with coffee at €3–€5. A newsstand offers travel essentials, but travellers note inconsistent food quality, suggesting careful selection.
Facilities enhance comfort with essential amenities. Free Wi-Fi via the Fraport-Free network is available, though connectivity can be patchy, and charging points are limited outside lounges. The Filoxenia Lounge, open from 8:00 AM to midnight during high season, offers snacks, drinks, and conference facilities for €40, accessible to all passengers. Passengers with reduced mobility benefit from ramps, lifts, and MyWay assistance, bookable 48 hours in advance. Families can use baby-changing rooms, and a medical clinic, police station, and lost-and-found desk operate daily. Baggage storage is unavailable, with alternatives in Rhodes city.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with real-time updates via Flightradar24, the airport’s website, or terminal screens. Handling around 200 daily flights, the airport benefits from efficient operations, though peak summer periods can cause delays. Jet2 and easyJet receive praise for organised boarding, but budget carriers like Ryanair may face cancellations.
Connections are efficient for single-ticket passengers, with minimum connection times of 60 minutes for Schengen and 90 minutes for non-Schengen flights. Baggage is typically transferred automatically, and the interconnected terminals simplify gate changes. Separate-ticket travellers should allow extra time for baggage reclaim and re-check-in, especially for non-Schengen routes requiring passport control. Fast Lane service for €9 speeds up security.
Potential delays often stem from overcrowding at check-in and security, with long queues reported during summer, particularly for non-Schengen flights. The double baggage scanning process—checking in then scanning hold luggage—can double wait times. Staffing shortages, poor air conditioning, and limited gate space exacerbate issues, with some travellers noting unhelpful staff. Weather is rarely a factor, but ground handling delays, like bus shortages for remote stands, can occur. Using Fast Track and mobile boarding passes can help.Rhodes International Airport delivers a practical and traveller-friendly experience. Its accessible transport, manageable layout, and essential amenities make it a dependable choice for exploring Rhodes or connecting across Europe.
